Apparatus for dyeing leather lacing



May 27, 1958 R. w. SCOTT APPARATUS FOR DYEING LEATHER LACING Filed July22; 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR PAY W .5

May 1958 R. w. scoTT 2,836,048

APPARATUS FOR DYEING LEATHER LACING Filed July 22, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2of appearance.

United States Patent 2,836,048 Patented May 27, 1958 file APPARATUS FGRDYEHVG LEATHER LACING Ray W. Scott, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application July 22, 1955, Serial No. 523,665

18 Claims. (Cl. 69-1) This invention relates to apparatus for processingleather lacing, such as is used in leather craft, and particularly toapparatus for applying dye to the lacing.

Leather lacing is usually made by spirally cutting a disc blanked from askin. Since dyeing and finishing are done before the skin is cut intolacing, the edges of the lacing may be of a color conspicuouslydifferent from that of the rest of the lacing. The edges of the lacingare usually exposed in the finished article incorporating the lacing;accordingly, dye must be applied to the lacing edges to preventunsightliness.

Apparatus heretofore has been provided for performing this supplementaldyeing operation. Yet the existing apparatus has been subject to theserious disadvantages, among others, of irregularly modifying theprevious finish.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improvedapparatus for dyeing the edges of leather lacing by a continuousoperation.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus of thischaracter that does not in any way modify or alter the existing finish.This is made possible by applying the dye to the reverse side and edgesof the lacing, without subjecting the obverse side to the dye.

it is another object of this invention to provide apparatus forautomatically applying dye in this manner in such quantities that thecolor density is uniform. For this purpose, capillary interaction isutilized betwen an absorbent applicator wheel and the absorbent reverseside and edges of the lacing. The more absorbent the lacing, the morethe dye is withdrawn from the applicator. Since more dye is required toachieve a certain color density when the lacing is more absorbent, auniform color density is achieved despite minor irregularities in thelacing. The applicator is maintained at a uniform level of dyesaturation by its demand upon a pump system, and dye is uniformlyavailable for the lacing.

It is another object of this invention to provide novel dye applicatorapparatus.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus for passingthe lacing through a drier as a part of the continuous operation. It isanother object of this invention to provide a drier that can be readilyadjusted in order to achieve proper drying for various conditions of thedye and lacing itself, as well as for various conditions of the ambientair.

lt is another object of this invention to provide a simple mechanicalarrangement for operating the dye pump, the applicator wheel and thedrier feed. This is accomplished by pulling the lacing through themechanism, movement of the lacing operating the applicator and the dyepump. In the embodiment shown, the mechanism for advancing the lacirucomprises a pair of cooperating forming rollers that provide atransversely arcuate contour to the lacing. This is desirable from thestandpoint Optionally, an automatic winder could be used as the primarymotive means for advancing the lacing.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a simpleapparatus of this character that is compact and occupies a small space.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objectswhich may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of oneembodiment of the invention. For this purpose, there is shown a form inthe drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification.This form will now be described in detail, illustrating the generalprinciples of the invention; but it is to be understood that thisdetailed description is not to betaken in a limiting sense, since thescope of this invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a broken elevation of an apparatus incorporating the presentinvention, some of the parts being broken away;

Fig. la is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken along a planeindicated by line 1a-1a of Fig. 1;

Figs. 2 and 3 are sectional views, taken along planes indicated by lines2-2 and 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the dye applicatorportion of the apparatus in the direction of the arrow 44 of Fig. l, aportion of the support being shown in section;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken along the planeindicated by line 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, a portionof the apparatus being broken away and shown in section;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the dye applicator wheel andsupport therefor, and taken along the plane indicated by line 77 of Fig.1; and

Fig. 7a is a fragmentary view, taken in a direction indicated by arrow7a in Fig. 7.

A lacing 10 has an unfinished side to which dye, corresponding to thecolor of the finished side, is to be applied. The dye 11 is in liquidform, and is accommodated in a container or tank 12 resting upon asupport 13. The unfinished side of the lacing passes about a portion ofa dye applicator wheel 14 that is supplied with dye 11 from thecontainer 12.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 7, the wheel 14 comprises complementary sections15 and 16, each having radially extending flanges 17 and 18 formingbetween them an annular groove 19 for removably accommodating anabsorbent applicator ring 20. The sections 15 and 16 are detachablysupported on the end of a spindle 21. The sections 15 and 16 haveenlarged central apertures 15a and 16a through which the threaded end ofthe spindle 21 passes. The tapered surface of a conical nut 24 engagesthe edge of the aperture 15a to center the section 15, and urges theother section 16 inwardly of the spindle end so that the edge of itsaperture 16a engages the tapered surface of a conical collar 21a formedintermediate the length of the spindle. The section 16 is accordinglycentered, and both sections are clamped together and connected to thespindle 21.

The spindle 21 passes through a sleeve bearing 22 which supports thespindle 21 and applicator wheel 14 for free angular movement. The collar21a opposes the flanged end 22a of the bearing 22 to limit move ment ofthe spindle in one longitudinal direction; and a nut 36a, secured inadjusted position by a lock nut 30b, engages the opposite end surface221: of the sleeve bearing 22 to, limit movement of the spindle 21 inthe other longitudinal position.

The sleeve bearing 22 projects through and is supported by a verticallyextending frame member 23 of the apparatus. For this purpose, the framemember has a through bore 23a. A lubricant tube 220, slantinglyprojecting into the central portion of the sleeve bearing, entersathrough keyhole slot 23b extending vertically from the aperture 23a toprevent rotation of the bear ing 22.

The end of the tube 220 is accessible at therear of the frame member 23.V The sleeve 22 is held in place by a nut 25 engaging that end of thesleeve 22 extending rearwardly of the frame 23, the nut 25 clamping theopposite flanged end 22a and associated structures against the frontside of the frame member 23.

The sleeve bearing 22 and spindle 21 can be removed and inserted as aunit through the front of the frame member 23, the lubricant tube 220being sufficiently short to permit its passage through the keyhold slot235;.

The lacing is guided for movement about a portion ofthe periphery of theapplicator ring by the aid of a pair of cylindrical members 26 and 27 onopposite sides of the wheel. These guides 26 and 27 are secured upon theouter ends of arms 28 and 29, and their axes extend parallel to the axisof wheel 14. The arms 28 and 29 are frictionally clamped in placebetween the frame member 23 and the flanged end 22a of the sleeve 22,washers 31 being interposed between the arms and the frame 23.

The guides 26 and 27 are located near the periphery of the applicatorwheel. The lacing 10 passes from a supply spool 33 through a guiding eyeformed by a thereby ensuring that the lacing stays in position on thering.

The spacing 'of the guides 26 and 27 may be diminished or augmented inorder to determine the operative arcuate ,length of the applicator ringperiphery and the extent to which the lacing is in contact with the ring20. Such an adjustment may be desirable, depending upon thecharacteristics or width of the lacing or upon the characteristics ofthe dye.

Adjustment of the guides is accomplished'by simply .moving the arms 28and 29 against the frictional forces holding the arms in place. I

' The phantom line position shown in Fig. 1 illustrates a differentposition of the guides. As the lacing is continuously pulled in anunwinding direction with respect to the spool 33, the wheel 14 isrotated, bringing into I operative position successive portions of thering periphery. Since the wheel 14 freely rotates, there is no slippagebetween'the lacing and the ring 20.

The unfinished side of the lacing 10 engages'the ap' plicator ring 20.This side of the lacing is absorbent Land-draws dye from the applicatorring 29 through capillary action. The tension in the lacing causes thelacing to press slightly into the ring 20 under the influence of theguides 26 and 27. Thefedges of the lacing are thereby subjected to andabsorb the dye carried by the ring 20.

The ring 20 is maintained substantially in a saturated condition. Forthis purpose, .use is made of a continuous flexible ball chain orloop-37. The upper portion 'of the loop formed by the chain 37 rests inan annular 1 concavity 38 formed in the outer surface of the wheelsection flange 17. The other wheel section: flange 18 'has a similarconcavity 39 in which a second chain could be accommodated for purposesto be described more fully hereinafter. V V V g The lower portion ofthe'loop-formedby' the chain '37 extends beneath the level of dye 11 inthe container 12. As the lacing 10 is continuously pulled about theapplicator ring 20, the chain 37 is advanced. Small quantities of dyeadhered about the elements of the chain pass into the annular concavity38. The annular con- 7 cavity 38 in the wheel section flange 17communicates via a series of angularly spaced slots 40 with one side ofthe annular recess 19 in which the applicator ring 20 is accommodated. Asimilar series of slots 41 is provided for the other wheel sectionflange 10.v Dye accordingly may pass to the side surfaces of theapplicator ring 20.

The applicator ring 20 absorbs such quantities of dye as will maintainit substantially in'a saturated condition. The excess dye will run offabout the annular concavity 38 and either drip back into the container12 or be carried back thereto by the chain 37. The ring will absorb dyeat a rate dependent upon its then level of saturation. The ring 20 isquite small and thus quite sensitively re stores its level ofsaturation, making dye. substantially uniformly available for thelacing. The lacing 10 tends to reduce the level of saturation ofthe'applicator ring 20, to cause the ring in turn to absorb dye suppliedthrough the slots 40 or 41. V

The more absorbent the lacing, the more it will withdraw dye from thering 20, providing dye is made uniformly available to the lacing. Sincemore dye is in fact necessary to achieve a certain color density whenthe lacing is more absorbent, a uniform color density throughout thelength of the lacing is achieved despite minor irregularities in thelacing. V

A plurality of chains may be'used if the demaud'for dye exceeds thatcapable of being supplied by the single chain. i

The lacing is dyed to a color consistent with that of the finished sideof the lacing. However, none of the dye is applied .to the finished sideof the lacing, and the finished side is, accordingly, preserved in itsoriginal state of After dye is applied to the lacing, it is exposed fora substantial period in a drying chamber. The drying chamber comprises avertical stack 42 formed by elongate side walls 43 and 44 (Fig. 2)carried by the frame'mem- 7 generally to the left of theapplicatorstructure so that the guide 26, about which the lacing passeswhen it leaves the applicator, throughoutits range of adjustment islocated beneath the stack near the wall 44. Q g

The lacing 10 after leaving ring 20 is moved upwardly, and makes severalpasses through thefdrying chamber in order to achieve appropriate dryingtime. For this purpose, there are two sets of guide rollers or pulleysspaced from each other along the length of the chamber.

A movable carriage 52 (Figs. 1 and 2) supports the first set, comprisingrollers 49, and 51. These rollers have parallel horizontal axes spacedfrom each other across the width of the chamber. The lacing passesupwardly near the wall 44 and over the nearest roller 49, thendownwardly. i

The second set of guide rollers 53 and 54 is located at V the lower endof the stack or chamber. The lacing passes in respective sequence aboutthe rollers of the sets, and finally vertically downwardly at the lowerend of the stack near the other side wall 43.

The carriage structure 52 carries a plate 55 upon which the rollers 49,50 and 51 are mounted. The plate has a flange 56 beneath the rollersthereon. This flange 56 has recesses as at 57 (Fig. 2) to ensure thatthe lacing is maintained centrally along the operative surface. of therollers. A similar guide plate 58, secured to-a block 1&2 (Fig. 3),supports the roflers 53 and 54 at the lower end of the stack. This plate58 has aflange 59 immediately above the rollers and is provided withslots or recesses 69 (Fig. 3) for similarly guiding the lacing.

The carriage 52 is rectangular, and may be made of wood or sheet metalmaterial. Its opposite side edges are received in longitudinallyextending grooves or recesses 61 and 62 (Fig. 2) provided on the innersurfaces of the side wall members 43- and 44. The location of thecarriage 52 along the length of the stack determines thetotal timeduring which the lacing is in the stack. Furthermore, not all of therollers need be used to achieve sufficient drying time.

In order to adjust the position of the carriage 52, a cable or cord 63,cooperable with a reel 64 located exteriorly of the stack, isprovided.The cord passes about an idler pulley 65 supported upon a shaft. 66received in appropriate bearings provided byextensions of the side walls43 and 44. The end of the cord 63 is attached centrally of the carriage52 adjacent its upper edge, as by the aid of a connection at an aperture67 in the carriage 52.

The reel 64 is mounted for rotation upon the shank of a stud 103 whichprojects outwardly of a plate 68 secured to or forming a part of thefront wall 46'. The head 103a of the stud is suitably secured in placeon the inside of the plate 68.

Rotation of the reel in one direction, as by the handle 104, serves toraise the carriage 52. An eccentric latch 69, engaging the peripheralflanges of the reel 64, locks the reel against unwinding, and therebyprevents downward movement of the carriage 52.

However, in order accurately to control the downward movement of thecarriage, frictional restraint is imposed upon the reel 64 so that theweight of the carriage 5.2 is insuflicient to movev the carriagedownwardiy. Accordingly, the reel normally must be rotated by hand formoving the carriage 52 downwardly. For this purpose, the reel 64 isurged against a leather washe. 110 or other suitable friction disc, thewasher 118 being interposed between the plate 68 and the reel 64. Acoil. spring 106, seated in a counterbore 64o on the outer side of thereel 64, urges the reel 64 against the washer. The spring 106 v is heldin place by a nut Hi7 engaging the outer end of the stud 163. A washer183 is interposed between the spring 166 and the nut in order to ensureagainst the end of the spring binding to prevent rotation of the reel64.

Adjustment of the position of the nut 1&7 sensitively adjusts thetension of the spring, thereby accurately controlling the frictionalforces between the reel washer 110 and plate 63. The nut 107' is held inadjusted position by a lock nut 1.09.

In order to thread the lacing about the pulleys 49, 50, 51, 53 and 54,the carriage 52 is lowered to. the lower end of the stack. Engagement ofthe lower edge of the carriage 52 with the block 162 determines thelower limited position of the. carriage. In such position the flanges 56and 59 are slightly spaced, and the lacing may be passed about therollers and through the guiding slots of the flanges.

A hingedly mounted cover structure 70 (Figs. 3 and 6), normally closingthe lower end of the stack, may be lifted in order that the guide.rollers be exposed for placement of the lacing. The end of the coverclosing the lower end of the stack has slots. for passage of the lacing.Pins 01' posts 72 and 73, respectively projecting from the side wall 43and cover 79, mount a spring 71, and are so located that the spring hasan overcenter travel with respect to the hinge pin 74 for the cover. Thecover 70 can, accordingly, easily be positioned in stable closing or inopening positions.

The end of the lacing 10 extending downwardly from the left-hand. sideof the stack isv engaged between a pair of driving and forming rollers75 and 76 (Figs. 1 and 5-) For purposes of initially positioning thecarriage, the lacing 10 is temporarily restrained by the driving wheels75 and 76 or otherwise while the reel 64 is operated to raise the.carriage 52. Raising the carriage 52 causes advancement of the lacing 10about the applicator wheels even though wheels 75 and 76 are notrotated. When the carriage is appropriately positioned, the wheels 75and 76 are rotated.

When the end of the lacing 10 passes off of the spool 33, and thedriving rollers 75 and 76 are operating, the reel- 64 is released andthe lacing end is manually restrained before it enters the dryingchamber. The tension in thelacing due to the driving rollers pulls thecarriage 52. downwardly against the frictional restraint imposed on thereel until the carriage 52 engages the block 102. Manual restraint onthe lacing end is then released, and the lacing end finally passesthrough the drying chamber. By properly adjusting the spring Hi6,suflicient restraint is imposed on the reel to prevent the weight of thecarriage from moving downwardly, while nevertheless permitting the.lacing to overcome the restraint in this manner without breaking.

The position of the carriage 52 can be adjusted during operation of theapparatus.

The driving wheels 75 and 76 are shown to best advantage in Fig. 5. Theyhave axes extending horizontally, and are located beneath the side wall43.

The wheel 76 is secured, as by a set screw 78, upon a shaft 77, theshaft 77 projecting beneath a cut-away portion of the framev 23. Theshaft 77 passes through aligned apertures in vertically extendingflanges 79 and 80 of a U-shaped bracket 81 secured to a block 94 as byscrews 98.

In order to rotate the shaft 77 and the wheel 76, a small motor 87 isprovided. The motor has a shaft 86 engaging a friction wheel 82 securedon the shaft'77 by a nut 85.

The other driving wheel 75 is secured to another shaft 88 as by the aidof a set screw 89. This shaft 88 is supported in a bore of a bearingblock 90. In order to rotate the driving wheel 75, the shafts 88 and 77are coupled. For this purpose, the shafts carry spur gears 84 and 91.The gear 91 is carried at the end of the shaft opposite the drivingWheel 75. The gear 84 is located between the friction wheel 82 and therear flange Ell of the U-shaped bracket 81.

The wheels 75 and 76, in addition to their function of puliing thelacing through the apparatus, impart a convex curvature to the finishedside of the lacing. Such curvature provides a neat appearance of thelacing when spooled for storage or shipment. For this purpose, the wheel76 has an annular semi-circular concave recess. 92, and the other wheel75 has an annular flange 93 providing a convex semi-circular surfaceentering partially into the recess 92. The lacing at the driving wheelsare in a slightly moist and pliant condition to permit the wheelsreadily to impart the desired curvature to the lacing.

A guide 95, secured to the upper end of the. flange 79 of the U-shapedbracket, engages the lacing 10 just in advance of the driving rollers 75and 76, and ensures that the lacing is properly oriented so that thefinished side assumes the convexity.

In order to thread the lacing between the driving wheels 75 and 76, thewheels are moved apart. For this purpose, the sleeve bearing blocksupporting the driving wheel 75 is mounted for pivotal movement awayfrom the mechanism associated with the other driven wheel 76. The block90 is pivotally mounted on the bracket 8i. For this purpose, a pin 97passes through the lower end of the block and projects at opposite endsthrough recesses in reduced portions of the flanges 79 and 80 of theU-shaped bracket. A finger piece 99, extending radially from the block90, may be depressed 7 "by digital pressure against the force of acompression spring IODto-move the bearing block 90. The lacing 10 maythen'be passed between the drivingwheels 75 and 76. Thereupon, thefinger piece 99 is released and the parts assume their operativeposition under the influence of the compression spring 100. The gears 84and 91- readily move into and out of engagement as the bearing block 90is moved. The spring 100 overpowers the reaction between the gears thatwould otherwise tend to cause disengagement of the gears due to themovable -mounting of the gear 91. V

In order-to make it possible for lacing of different 'widths properly tobe operated upon by the driving mechanism, the driving wheel 76 has asecond concave semi-circular annular recess 101 adjacent the otherrecess 92. A substitute for the driving wheel 75 may be placed upon theshaft 88 for cooperation with'the recess 101. v V

The apparatus incorporates several basic features of adjustment in orderproperly to perform the dyeing and drying operation. If a wide lacing isto be dyed or if the lacing is highlyabsorbent, two chains such as 37may be provided at one end of each of the applicator wheel sections and16. The width of the applicator ring is sufficient appropriately tocooperate with lacing of various widths. Wider lacing is caused tocooperate with the larger recess 101 of the driving wheel 76. .To ensuresuflieient time for the lacing to absorb dye from the applicator wheel,while at the same time on suring against over-application of dye, theposition of 'the guides 26 and 27 may be adjusted.

In order to ensure appropriate drying time for the lacing, which dependsupon the conditions of the ambient air as 'well as uponthe'characteristics of the specific lacing or the dye used, the positionof the carriage structure 52 is adjusted.

The apparatus is quite compact and requires very'little area in a workshop. Since the lacing is not immersed in dye, the dyeing operation inno way interferes with the previous finish on one side of the lacing,and also the time required for drying the lacing after the applicationof dye is quite small. a

The inventor claims:

1. In apparatus for applying liquid to one side and the edges ofabsorbent flexible material such as leather lacing, comprising: anabsorbent applicator wheel about which the one side of the lacing maypass for applying liquid torone side and the edges of the lacing; meansforming a drying chamber; a series of adjustable guide means in thedrying chamber to predetermine the length of lacing passing through thedrying chamber; and means for moving the lacing along the guide meansand about the applicator wheel.

2. In apparatus for drying flexible material such as carriagelongitudinally movable in the chamber; a, second set of rollers mountedon the carriage; a'first guide member adjacent the'first set of rollersfor maintaining the lacing in operative position on the first set ofrollers; a second guide memberseeured to the carriage adjacent thesecond set of rollers for maintaining the lacing in operative positionon the second set of rollers; and adjustable means forpositioning thecarriage along the length of the chamber. 2 v

4. In apparatus for drying flexible material to which a liquid. has beenapplied: means forming an elongate "upon rotation of the wheel; saidwheel'having a surface .8 V substantially vertically oriented dryingchamber, including a movable wall means selectively positionable toexpose'the lower end of the chamber or to close said lower.

when the movable wall means is in open position; the

second set. of rollers being also accessible when'the carriage ispositioned at said one end of said chamber and when said wall means isin open position; 'and adjustable means for positioning the carriagealong the length of the chamber.

5. In apparatus for drying flexible material to which a liquid has beenapplied: means forming an elongate substantially vertically orienteddrying chamber, including a movable wall means selectively positionableto ex pose the lower end of the chamber or to close said lower end ofsaid chamber; a first 'setof rollers located at the lower end of saidchamber; a carriage longitudinally movable in the chamber; a second setof rollers mounted on the carriage; a first guide member adjacent thefirst set of rollers for maintaining the lacing in operative position onthe first set of rollers; a second guide member secured to the carriageadjacent the second set of rollers for maintaining the lacing inoperative position on the second set of rollers; said first set ofrollers being accessible when the movable wall means is in openposition,

carriage longitudinally movable in the chamber; a second set of rollersmounted on the carriage; a flexible member secured at one end to thecarriage and extending through the other end of the chamber; a reelaccessible exteriorly of the chamber and engageable with the flexiblemember for moving the flexible member to position the carriage; andmeans for holding the flexible member in an adjusted position.

7. In apparatus for applying a liquid to the unfinished side and theedges of flexible material-such as leather lacing, the other side ofsaid material having beenpreviously dyed and finished, comprising: meansoperable by passage of the lacing for applying liquid to the unfinishedside and the edges of the lacing; means forming a drying chamber; guidemeans in the chamber about which the lacing passes; a pair of drivingrollers engaging the lacing at the end of the chamber'for advancing thelacing, and having oppositely curved surfaces of revolution forimparting a convex curvature to the finished side of the lacing. a

8. In apparatus for applying liquid suchas dye to flexible materialsuch. as leather lacing; an applicator wheel,

including an absorbent member having a peripherally exposed surface forengagement with the material; means mounting the wheel for rotation,passage of the material along the surface causing rotation of'the wheel;and an endless flexible member'having' its upper portion engaging thewheel, and having its lowerportion adapted to be subjected to a body ofliquid; said flexible member having provisions for conveying quantitiesof liquid to the wheel for absorption by the absorbent member. 9. Inapparatus for applying liquid such as dye to flexible material such asleather lacing; an applicator wheel 'mounted for rotation about-itsaxis; said wheel having a peripheral recess; an, absorbent ring in therecess, and having a peripheral surface engageable with the materialadjoining the recess; there being a series of angularly spaced slotsbetween the recess and the surface; and an endless flexible chain loopedat its upper portion about the wheel and sealed as said surface, andhaving its lower portion depending from the wheel for immersion in abody of dye or the like.

10. In apparatus for applying liquid such as dye to flexible materialsuch as leather lacing: an applicator wheel, including an absorbentmember having a peripherally exposed surface for engagement with thematerial; means mounting the wheel for rotation, passage of the materialalong the surface causing rotation of the wheel; an endless flexiblemember having its upper portion engaging the Wheel, and having its lowerportion adapted to be subjected to a body of liquid; said flexiblemember having provisions for conveying quantities of liquids to thewheel for absorption by the absorbent member; and a pair of guide meansin spaced relationship about the periphery of the absorbent member forcausing engagement of the material with the absorbent member.

11. In apparatus for applying liquid such as dye to flexible materialsuch as leather lacing: an applicator wheel, including an absorbentmember having a peripherally exposed surface for engagement with thematerial; means mounting the Wheel for rotation, passage of the materialalong the surface causing rotation of the wheel; an endless flexiblemember having its upper portion engaging the Wheel, and having its lowerportion adapted to be subjected to a body of liquid; said flexiblemember having provisions for conveying quantities of liquid to the wheelfor absorption by the absorbent member; a pair of guide means in spacedrelationship about the periphery of the absorbent member for causingengagement of the material with the absorbent member; and means mountingthe guide means for adjustment to vary the length about the periphery ofthe absorbent member with which the material cooperates.

12. In apparatus for applying liquid to flexible material such asleather lacing: an applicator wheel, comprising a pair of wheelsections, each having peripheral flanges forming a central recessbetween them; an absorbent ring in the recess; there being a series ofslots in each of the sections between the peripheral surfaces of theflanges and those sides of the flanges forming the recess; and a chainlooped at its upper portion about the peripheral surface of one of theflanges.

13. In apparatus for applying liquid to flexible material such asleather lacing: an applicator wheel, comprising a pair of wheelsections, each having peripheral flanges forming a central recessbetween them; an absorbent ring in the recess; there being a series ofslots in each of the sections between the peripheral surfaces of theflanges and those sides of the flanges forming the recess; a shaftmounting the wheel sections for rotation; a pair of arms angularlyadjustable about the axis of the shaft, and each having a guide elementat its end spaced from the periphery of the ring.

14. In apparatus for drying flexible material such as lacing: meansforming an elongate drying chamber; a first set of rollers located atone end of the chamber; a carriage longitudinally movable in thechamber; a second set of rollers mounted on the carriage; adjustablemeans for positioning the carriage along the length of the chamber; andmeans imposing an adjustable frictional restraint upon said adjustablemeans.

15. In apparatus for drying flexible material such as lacing: meansforming an elongate drying chamber; a first set of rollers located atone end of the chamber; a carriage longitudinally movable in thechamber; a second set of rollers mounted on the carriage; a flexiblecable connected to the carriage; a reel for winding and unwinding thecable; and means for imposing an adjustable frictional restraint uponsaid reel.

16, In apparatus for drying flexible material such as lacing: meansforming an elongate drying chamber; a first set of rollers located atthe lower end of the chamber; a carriage vertically movable in thechamber; a second set of rollers mounted on the carriage; a flexiblecable suspending the carriage; a reel for winding and unwinding thecable; means imposing an adjustable frictional restraint upon the wheelsufliciently large to prevent the weight of the carriage from unwindingthe reel, but sufliciently small to permit tension in the lacing toovercome the frictional restraint when the reel is otherwiseunrestrained; and selectively operable means for locking the reelagainst movement.

17. In apparatus for applying liquid such as dye to flexible materialsuch as leather lacing: an applicator wheel having an absorbent member,the member having a peripherally exposed surface engageable with thematerial upon rotation of the wheel; a spindle mounting the wheel at oneend thereof; a support having an aperture provided with a keyhole slotsubstantially vertically above the aperture; and a sleeve bearing forthe spindle extend ing in the support aperture, and having a lubricanttube communicating with the bearing and extending into the keyhole slotto prevent rotation of the sleeve bearing.

18. In apparatus for applying liquid such as dye to flexible materialsuch as leather lacing: an applicator wheel having an absorbent member,the member having a peripherally exposed surface engageable with thematerial upon rotation of the wheel; a spindle mounting the wheel at oneend thereof; a support having an aperture provided with a keyhole slotsubstantially vertically above the aperture; a sleeve bearing for thespindle extending in the support aperture, and having a lubricant tubecommunicating with the bearing and extending into the keyhole slot toprevent rotation of the sleeve bearing; a pair of arms frictionally heldbetween an end of the sleeve bearing and the support; and guides for theflexible material secured respectively to the arms, and spaced from theperiphery of the absorbent member to cause engagement of the flexiblematerial with the absorbent member, the arms being adjustable bymovement against the force of friction to determine the spacing betweenthe guides.

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